U.S. Marines and Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees storm Toys “R” Us for major shopping spree
COLONIE, New York; – U.S. Marines and Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees today celebrated the holiday spirit during a huge shopping spree at Toys “R” Us in Colonie to prepare the Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train for its annual trip through New York State.
Made possible by a recent contribution of $25,000 from local Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to the Toys for Tots Foundation, the gifts will be loaded onto the Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train, powered by Amtrak, and distributed to thousands of children during the train’s annual run on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6. Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees also donated an additional $5,000 to purchase coats for children this holiday season.
Dunkin’ Donuts’ most recent contribution marks the seventh-consecutive year it has provided support for the U.S. Marine Corps’ signature holiday campaign and brings its grand total to $200,000 in support of the Toys for Tots Train.
“We’re fortunate to have such a dedicated and committed community partner in Dunkin’ Donuts and are grateful for the support its franchisees have provided to keep our holiday train on track for the seventh year in a row,” said Marine Gunnery Sgt. (Ret) Albert Roman, local coordinator of the Capital Region Toys for Tots campaign. “Their generosity will bring new toys to thousands of children throughout New York. Dunkin’ Donuts’ support exemplifies the true spirit of the season.”
The Marines will work with more than 200 community agencies to distribute toys this holiday season and will be equipped to serve 200,000 children.
The Toys for Tots collection drive is currently underway at more than 400 locations throughout the Capital Region, as well as at more than 100 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants, which will serve as drop-off points for guests wishing to donate new, unwrapped toys.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to support the efforts of the Marines who spearhead the Toys for Tots campaign,” said Eric Stensland, field marketing manager for Dunkin’ Donuts. “We are privileged to be part of this extraordinary effort that has such a vital impact on our community.”
Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees will join the Marines on board the Marine Corps Reserves’ Dunkin’ Donuts Toys for Tots Train to deliver toys directly to children and families. Thousands of toys are also delivered at each stop to local non-profit organizations, which distribute the toys to those in need in their communities. Dunkin’ Donuts will also warm up volunteers and families at each station with complimentary hot chocolate and donuts.
The Toys for Tots Foundation receives additional support from a number of companies and organizations throughout the greater Capital Region, including IntegraOptics, Wal-Mart, SEFCU, Clifton Park and Halfmoon EMS, and members of the Saratoga, Schoharie, and Fulton County Sheriff’s departments.
About Dunkin’ Donuts
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for nine years running. The company has more than 11,500 restaurants in 40 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.